Upscale hotel in downtown Greenfield

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)- It's been more than 50 years since there's been a hotel on main street in greenfield. But that's about to change. An indoor pool, banquet hall and small cafe are just a few of the features of an upscale hotel making its debut, above Wilson's Department Store in downtown Greenfield. The Zoning Board approved the proposal last week.

A hotel occupied the upper three floors of the Wilson’s Department Store building from 1882 to the early 1960s. Now five decades later a new upscale hotel will be taking its place. And most people think the addition to downtown is a good idea.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce president Ann Hamilton told 22News that the hotel could help with tourism. She said, “I think it makes a nice addition to the downtown as well as Franklin County. Especially with the train coming coming through, we expect more visitors and we will certainly do our best to attract them.”

Both the planning board and Chamber of Commerce hope the project will not only bring more jobs to the area, but more visitors as well, which could increase business to the many retailers and restaurants currently on Main Street.

Greenfield Planning Board director Eric Twarog told 22News that the hotel will help solve the problem of a lack of meeting spaces in Greenfield. He said, “Another is conference space is always an issue in town. you try to do major conferences where people can come in and stay over and have conference space. That’s lacking in greenfield. so we’re hoping this brings a lot of business to downtown.”

Some residents told 22News that they agreed the hotel would be good for the city. Phyllis Zero said, “Any kind of thing that will be upbeat for the community. and everybody likes to have a place to go to for weddings and family meetings and parties so i think it will be a great thing for the community.”

The name of the hotel hasn’t been revealed yet. The 62 room development is privately funded and according to the planning board will not cost Greenfield anything. The project also needs a building permit as well as three permits from the health department for the pool and food services.